While gas prices are currently 16 cents per gallon more than this time last year, gas forecasters expect there to be a drop in prices by year-end.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.09. In August of 2016, it cost $1.93.

This is also 9 cents higher than gas prices were just one month ago in July.

At present, the national average is $2.35 per gallon.

According to AAA’s website, gas prices for regular unleaded in the Andalusia area fall around $2.08 per gallon.

Mid-grade gasoline costs $2.39, and premium is at $2.69. Diesel fuel costs $2.36 per gallon.

Alabama currently ranks second in the least expensive markets for fuel, behind only South Carolina.

The last seven-day period of gas prices has seen a drastic rise or fall in many states. The Southeast region (including Alabama) has seen the most stable gas prices, with most seeing a one-cent increase or decrease. Other regions of the country have seen many states hold a rise or fall of five to 10 cents.

According to AAA Alabama’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager Clay Ingram, the gas prices may see a drop by the end of the year.

“While it is possible that we could see a slight increase over the next few weeks, it is more likely that prices will remain flat,” Ingram said. “The usual trend is for prices to drop throughout the fall and I expect that trend to continue this year, as well. It appears that our prices at the end of the year will be noticeably lower than they are right now.”